2013 Ladies' Tour of Qatar

Kirsten Wild Takes Stage 3 of the Ladies' Tour of Qatar

Argos-Shimano racer claims overall lead with second consecutive stage win

aso/bicycling.com

(Photo by Argos-Shimano's Kirsten Wild won Stage 3 of the Ladies' Tour of Qatar on January 31, 2013. (B. Bade/ASO))

Madinat Al Shamal, Qatar, January 31, 2013 (ASO) - Kirsten Wild captured her second consecutive stage win and took command of the general standings. The Argos-Shimano leader is just one stage away from a third overall victory, however only hold a slim three-second lead.

The 86 riders remaining in the race took off from the Al Thakhira harbor for the 3rd stage of the Ladies’ Tour of Qatar. It would be another tough day across the peninsula under the influence of strong winds. Despite several attempts, the pack remained bunched all the way to Al Zubara, in northwestern Qatar. After having covered close to 48 kilometers during the first hour due to the strong tailwind, Kirsten Wild claimed the first intermediate sprint (kilometer 60) and the precious three bonus seconds, race leader Chloe Hosking (HPU) and Charlotte Becker (SKI) to the line.

As the pack headed up north and the wind started blowing sideways, several riders failed to keep up with the pace. While a crash occurred in the peloton, a group of 18 women pulled away, including Hosking, Wild, Elvin (GEW), Van Dijk (SLU) and Worrack (SLU). The front group enjoyed a 40-second lead at kilometer 83 on a group of 22 including Cromwell (GEW), Gilmour, and Bronzini (both WHT).

With 25 kilometers to go, the riders entered the final circuit and the first two groups bunched up together again. Eight riders tried attacking, but where rapidly caught before reaching Madinat Al Shamal for the second bonus sprint—won by Brennauer (SLU) ahead of Blaak (TIB).

With 10 kilometers to go, Brennauer and Blaak could still enjoy a 10-second lead. Both were first caught by Fahlin (HPU) and Cantele (BPK) and then by the whole golden jersey group with 5 kilometrrs to go.

Just under 40 riders moved closer to the finish line. With under three kilometers to go, race leader Chloe Hosking suffered a puncture. Despite being eventually given the winner’s time, she could no longer hope for stage victory and extra bonus seconds. With help from her Argos-Shimano teammates, Kirtsen Wild powered to a second consecutive stage win, beating Van Dijk and Bronzini.

It was Wild’s fifth victory in Qatar, as she took command of the overall standings. With just one day to go, Wild has a three-second lead over Gilmour and 16 seconds over Elvin, while also leading the points’ standings. Hosking remains best young rider of the event and will carry the White Pearl jersey tomorrow.